Zardari Approves Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025

President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025, giving long-awaited clarity to the legal framework surrounding duties on Chinese-aided projects. The new law, effective retroactively from July 1, 2020, ensures that duties imposed on foreign-assisted schemes—especially those linked with Chinese cooperation—are applied under a well-defined legal structure.

Retroactive Effect Adds Certainty

With the President’s assent, the amendment applies to all relevant projects dating back to July 2020. This retroactive effect removes years of confusion faced by regulatory bodies and businesses engaged in foreign-backed development schemes.

Officials explained that the change provides assurance to both Pakistan and its international partners. Duties already collected from 2020 onward now fall under a clear legal mandate, reducing the risk of disputes or challenges.

Origin of the Amendment

The push for this amendment started in October 2022 during the Gwadar Projects Progress Meeting. Lawmakers and policymakers argued that the absence of a defined framework for anti-dumping duties on Chinese-assisted projects created serious ambiguity.

At that time, several development schemes under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and related initiatives had raised questions over whether imported goods and materials should be exempt from duties. The lack of clarity threatened to slow progress on strategic projects.

The amendment, therefore, was framed as a corrective measure—closing gaps in legislation and streamlining trade rules to match the realities of foreign investment and aid.

Legislative Journey

Before reaching the Presidency, the bill passed through Pakistan’s two parliamentary chambers. The National Assembly debated the draft in detail, while the Senate later endorsed it with a majority vote.

Lawmakers highlighted that Pakistan could not afford prolonged uncertainty on an issue tied so closely to international investment. By the time the bill arrived at the Presidency in 2025, it had gained consensus support across major political lines.

President Zardari’s assent was the final step, officially turning the amendment into law.

Why the Bill Matters

The Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025 addresses an issue that affected trade, foreign investment, and Pakistan’s compliance with international obligations. Anti-dumping duties are meant to protect local industries from unfairly priced imports. However, when such imports are tied to foreign-aided projects, confusion often arises over exemptions.

Chinese-assisted schemes, including major infrastructure and energy projects, fall into this category. Without legal clarity, disputes emerged between stakeholders, regulators, and contractors. The amendment ends this uncertainty.

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Analysts note that the change will reassure Chinese partners, who have long pressed Pakistan for consistent rules in CPEC-linked projects. It also strengthens Pakistan’s image as a country committed to transparent trade and investment practices.

Impact on Ongoing Projects

The retroactive application means ongoing projects will not face legal challenges over duties already levied. This safeguards progress on multiple infrastructure developments under CPEC and beyond.

For contractors and suppliers, the amendment provides predictability. They can now calculate costs and import duties without the risk of sudden policy reversals or court challenges.

At the same time, Pakistan’s domestic industries gain protection against unfair pricing, since the duties remain enforceable within a legal structure.

Strengthening Economic Ties with China

Observers see the amendment as another step toward strengthening Pakistan-China economic relations. By clarifying duty policies, Islamabad signals to Beijing that it values stability in trade rules.

China remains Pakistan’s largest development partner under CPEC. Experts argue that such legal clarity encourages continued Chinese investment while also ensuring Pakistan secures fair revenue from imported goods.

Broader Implications for Trade Policy

The amendment also sets a precedent for how Pakistan handles duties on projects supported by other countries. While the immediate focus is on Chinese-aided schemes, the new legal framework could extend to foreign-assisted projects from other partners.

Economists suggest that the clarity will also help Pakistan in its trade negotiations and in fulfilling obligations under global trade bodies. It reduces the scope for misinterpretation and aligns the country’s policies with international norms.

Business Community Response

Business circles have welcomed the development. Industry groups said the uncertainty of past years discouraged investment and created risks for local manufacturers. Now, with the Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill 2025 in place, businesses expect smoother trade operations.

Importers involved in foreign-aided projects also appreciate the clarity. While duties remain payable, they argue that predictable rules allow better financial planning and fewer legal disputes.